Report: Patriots using 2nd plane for players in close contact with Newton

The New England Patriots will make their flight to Kansas City for their rescheduled game against the Chiefs using two planes, separating those who did and did not come into close contact with quarterback Cam Newton, reports NFL Network's Michael Giardi.

New England will place roughly 20 players and staff who had been in close contact with Newton on the second plane, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Though the Patriots returned no new positive tests Saturday and Sunday, an unpredictable incubation period necessitates the separation of the team for its Monday flight.

The game was pushed back from Sunday to Monday at 7:05 p.m. ET after Newton reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.